A minor headache, aching tooth, sore throat, painful acne, upset stomach, minor burns, vomiting, scrapes, bug bites and all sorts of minor issues. These problems can be handled effectively at home with some of the simplest and natural remedies.
Stocking up on key items that make up a natural first-aid kit will keep you prepared to respond quickly to common minor injuries and illnesses.
Natural remedies work just as well if not better than chemically based medicines that can also have side effects, which nobody wants to deal with. Also, they will save you time and money.
Note: Always exercise caution in an emergency situation and consult a doctor immediately if there is no improvement.
Here are the 10 natural items that you should have in your natural first-aid kit.
1. Aloe Vera Gel
While it is not possible to keep an aloe vera leaf in your first-aid box, you can definitely keep aloe vera gel or aloe vera-based tissues in your kit.
Cooling and healing, aloe vera is effective at reducing inflammation due to sunburns or minor kitchen scalds and burns.
This natural antibacterial agent also helps fight the bacteria responsible for acne and also stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
Be it any kind of skin problem, clean the affected area with water and then apply aloe vera gel.
2. Arnica Gel or Cream
Another must-have item in the first-aid kit is arnica gel, cream or essential oil.
Arnica contains anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties that make it an effective treatment for sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises.
- Apply a few drops of arnica essential oil diluted in 1 or 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or any carrier oil on the affected area. Gently massage it on the sore area.
- You can also apply arnica balm, ointment or a compress 2 or 3 times a day.
Note: Never apply arnica on skin that has open wounds or cuts.
3. Activated Charcoal
For bloating and gas, activated charcoal is just the right ingredient and hence you must have it in your medicine box.
Activated charcoal can soak up the excess acids and gases that accumulate in your gut and provide quick relief from indigestion, acid reflux and a bloated stomach.
- For stomach bloating, take activated charcoal capsules up to 3 times a day.
- To prevent gas, take 1 activated charcoal capsule with a full glass of water 1 hour before eating any gas-producing meal.
Activated charcoal is also effective at relieving discomfort from insect bites, bee stings and even rashes from poison ivy or poison oak.
Simply moisten activated charcoal powder with melted coconut oil and apply it on the affected area.
4. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a very good home remedy for treating acne and other skin conditions, due to its powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory and healing qualities.
You can keep witch hazel extract or prepackaged witch hazel pads in your first-aid kit.
- To fight acne or soothe bug bites, stings and other scratchy spots, put a few drops of witch hazel extract on a cotton ball. Rub it on the affected area a few times daily as needed.
- To treat any kind of infection and clean germs from your hands and face, you can use prepackaged witch hazel pads as needed.
- To treat a hemorrhoid, you can use witch hazel pads instead of toilet paper after a bowel movement to treat as well as protect the affected area from further irritation.
5. Chamomile
Be it over-the-counter chamomile lotion, chamomile tea bags or the essential oil, this is one item you must have in your first-aid supplies.
Chamomile has mild sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help treat a variety of problems.
- To relieve indigestion, bloating, stomach aches and more, drink a cup of chamomile tea.
- To alleviate skin irritation, apply chilled chamomile tea bags on the skin. You can also use chamomile lotion to fight skin-related conditions like rashes and eczema.
- To cure a headache or reduce tension and stress, apply chamomile oil on your temples. It is relaxing and calming for both the mind and body.
- To soothe bug bites, minor burns and bruises, apply the oil topically in either diluted or undiluted form.
- To ease muscle pain, you can add a few drops of chamomile oil to any massage oil and then apply.
6. Clove Oil
A few cloves or a small bottle of clove oil is another important item that you must have in your first-aid box.
Clove is one of the best remedies for fighting tooth pain and improving oral health, due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic components and antibacterial properties. It can help you take care of a number of other issues as well.
- To ease tooth pain, simply dab a little clove oil on a cotton ball and rub it on the sore tooth and the surrounding gums. Also, chewing a few cloves will help reduce the pain.
- To repel mosquitoes and other insects, you can use a diffuser to disperse the aroma of clove oil in areas where you notice bothersome insects.
7. Lavender Oil
You must have space in your first-aid kit for a small bottle of lavender oil.
Possessing excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, this oil can be applied topically to everything from burns to bruises and blisters to insect bites or stings.
- To help fight an infection, mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil and apply the oil blend on the infected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off. Repeat twice daily until the infection is gone.
- To combat a headache, put a few drops on your pillow or handkerchief and breathe in the healing aroma.
- To repel mosquitoes, add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil like olive oil and apply it on your body.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another excellent addition to your natural first aid kit. It helps counteract the venom of various insect bites, even bee and wasp stings.
Plus, it works as an alkalizing agent to provide instant relief from indigestion and heartburn.
- For insect bites or stings, rinse the affected area with an antiseptic soap and water, then apply a paste of baking soda and a little water. Rinse it off after 5 minutes. Repeat as needed.
- When dealing with heartburn, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and gulp it down.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar works as a great first aid item you ought to have.
You can apply it topically on bug bites or other skin issues as well as ingest it for gastrointestinal upsets, even headaches.
It works as an antimicrobial agent to fight different kinds of infections. Plus, due to its alkalizing properties, it helps calm an upset stomach and soothes headaches.
- Dab a little apple cider vinegar on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve skin irritation due to issues ranging from bug bites to skin infections. If you have sensitive skin, dilute it with an equal amount of water before applying.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Drink it to get rid of indigestion, bloating, and upset stomach. It will also help reduce headaches.
10. Ginger Candies or Capsules
You must also have a packet a ginger capsules as well as crystallized gingerin your medicine box.
Ginger has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibiotic, anticancer, antinausea, antispasmodic, antifungal and antitussive (cough suppressant) properties.
- To prevent nausea and motion sickness as well as indigestion, you can take ginger capsules.
- To soothe a sore throat, cough or congestion, chew on ginger candies or crystallized ginger.
Some other items to include in your natural first-aid kit are:
- Medical tape
- Elastic wrap bandages
- Eye shields or pads
- Instant cold packs
- Cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Duct tape
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Safety pins in assorted sizes
- Scissors and tweezers
- Soap or hand sanitizer
- Antibiotic ointment
- Thermometer
- Toilet paper or tissues
- A small bottle full of water
Additional Tips
- Pick something sturdy and portable in which to store your first-aid supplies.
- Keep at least one first-aid kit in your home and one in your car.
- Keep your first-aid kit in a place where you can easily locate it.
- Keep the kit out of the reach of young children.
- To prevent breakage, wrap glass bottles in small pieces of thick flannel.
- Keep your supplies updated from time to time, and be sure to throw away expired items.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22517298
Well just in case. I need it